Charlotte
Eighteen months ago I rescued a beautiful pit bull puppy and I named her Charlotte.  My neighbors moved and left her behind with no food or water. She had been abused by the man in the household and hit with sticks by the little girl.
 
I took Charlotte in before Animal Control came and took her to the pound. Even though I had rescued dogs before, I was very nervous about taking in a pit bull given what I had heard about the breed and the fact that I own three elderly dogs.
 
Charlotte was afraid of everything. A loud noise or a sudden movement would send her into a panic. If we were walking around the block and she saw a man, she bolted and tried to run the other way.
 
Today Charlotte is a confident, playful dog --thanks to the loving care of Melinda Mitchell at Austin Canine Central. Melinda's patient, gentle way has helped Charlotte learn that humans can be trusted to treat her with compassion and joy. When I pick Charlotte up at day care, she always hugs Melinda and kisses her and I know she is thanking her for all that she has done.
 
At long last, life is fun for little Charlotte.
 
Thank you, Melinda.

Diane Pattara

October 10, 2008

To Whom It May Concern:

Melinda Mitchell has been working for Austin Canine Central in doggie daycare for the past year.  As a Vet Technologist she brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to her job each day.  

Her knowledge enables her to quickly see health issues that sometimes arise, and to take appropriate steps to guide the owner and help the animal.  Melinda works well with all the animals, maintains a level of cleanliness, and is extremely reliable.

I have no qualms in recommending her pet sitting experience to everyone.

Ann Potter,
Daycare Manager
Austin Canine Central 

Melinda Mitchell is a trained veterinary technician with an unusual affinity for animals.  She stays at Thundering Paws Animal Sanctuary, where she has responsibility for 80 animals, while I am on vacation. She will go to any length to keep from interrupting my vacation, unless an animal's welfare is at stake.

While staying at Thundering Paws, Melinda taught our blind cat, Georgia, to eat on her own.  Before that, Georgia had to be syringe fed twice a day.  Georgia began lapping her specially prepared formula under Melinda's patient tutelage.

I have seen Melinda vaccinate a semi-feral cat without assistance.  I have watched her quiet a bunny rabbit who was getting his nails trimmed.  She routinely calms hyperactive dogs.  I would trust her with any animal here, which is to say, with any animal.

Melinda did not miss a day of work when she severely injured herself. She is the most dependable person I know.  If Melinda says she will perform a task, I consider it done and no longer think about it.

A few years ago, Thundering Paws adopted a recovered feral cat to Melinda.  Fabio had made the decision to become a tame cat and he was well on his way when he and Melinda met.  However, under Melinda's care, Fabio has turned into a celebrity among our circle of volunteers and workers.  Melinda extols Fabio's virtues, but I don't believe that his dog-like devotion is due to anything but Melinda's love and bonding with him.

If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to e-mail me at anne@thunderingpaws.org, or call me at the number below.

Anne Zabolio
Director
Thundering Paws Animal Sanctuary, www.thunderingpaws.org
512-402-9725

She's Perfect!

When Melinda told me about her new business, my first reaction was “Of course – she’s perfect!.”  

My young dog has known Melinda most of her life and she ADORES HER!  And, she listens to her, which is truly amazing.

Melinda has great patience, a sense of humor and true enjoyment of all of the animals in her care.  And she has understanding of and insight into each animal’s personality and needs, both social and medical.  I have complete peace of mind when my dog is in her care.

If you are considering having Melinda care for your animals, know that she comes highly valued and recommended.

Susan Philips, Austin